Come March 26th, Princeton University’s Hip Hop: Art and Life student group will be hosting “Hip-Hop 2.0: The Price Of A New Era” and I’ve been invited to take part in one of several panels they’re presenting. Dr. Cornel West, Dr. Imani Perry and several other notable figures and media members will be involved as well.

My thoughts and reactions?

— Early on, I knew TSS would never win awards, gain prominent recognitions or even be considered large on a mainstream level. Things have definitely grown and changed in infinite ways, but we’ll always remain underdogs. None of the Crew resides on the coasts, allowing us stronger media ties. I’ve never really cared much for having close relationships with artists so I knew we would probably never be first in premiering “exclusive new mp3s!” or anything of that nature. To be asked to participate in an undertaking like Hip-Hop 2.0 is more rewarding than any hollow award or extra small print mention.

Ultimately, we do what we do for our readers and ourselves. All I ever wanted was a voice, to provide a platform for others and to help provide a centralizing point for an audience that I didn’t feel like was being catered to. Meeting new people, exchanging ideas and being involved in helping to build things, these are greater than hanging out with Artist A, surrounded by buxom models at some vacation destination. I’m not holier than thou by any means but I know my makeup. As a quiet, slightly neurotic Gem, I prefer less of the limelight and more of the intimate, controlled environments.

— When I was sixteen or so and on my extra military mind shxt, I devoured books on African-American studies, philosophy, the African diaspora and religion. Dr. Cornel West happens to be one of the authors whose books I read faithfully, big words and all. Still to this day, I check his offerings and The Cornel West Reader occupies space in my reading rotation, even though I’m only nearly halfway through after being in over two years. Since it’s not a race, but marathon, it’s more important to digest in his words and thoughts at a measured pace. I’ll finish the book before I die and then pass it to my children.

I doubt we’ll be on the same panel, yet being mentioned on the same program as the man is inspiring.

— When I mentioned it to my parents, my mom remarked with the usual, warm “that’s good, baby” and followed by asking “What are you going to wear?” She knows me. Since I’m a student of Uncle Russell’s hustle, chances are I’ll be draped in my usual blue oxford or kitted out in Nike Sportswear plus my camo 5 panel. Both she and Princeton are probably thankful the weather’s still cool enough to warrant sleeves, otherwise my Southern roots would show and I’d simply wear a white t-shirt. ‘Lo of course, but still.

— We all have dreams. Being featured in RESPECT was definitely above and beyond cool. Having an open line of communication with a select few artists, Nike and other brands, those are things I may have imagined once upon a time but I’d be selling wolf tickets if I said “Oh, I knew it was in the plans when I was twelve.” But this? Never in my wildest.

Obviously, I’m looking forward to it. If you’re in the Jersey area, please do stop by.

Join The Discussion

because the ivy leaguers need a “Negro interepreter”
West needs to write a scholarly book and stop trying to be on BET.

03.10.11 at 1:31 pm

Aaron Smarter

Congrats G.

Fresh respected.

03.10.11 at 1:36 pm

Josh

Congrats!

03.10.11 at 1:46 pm

El Rosado

Congrats G!

I think the choice in apparel is to have the knitted shirt unbuttoned with the RMF tee on full display underneath.

03.10.11 at 2:01 pm

Gotty™

Thanks to everyone for the support. should be fun. i’ll try to document & share my thoughts instead of forgetting them lol.

El Ro – I’m going to wear a shirt completely buttoned to the top, then rip it off towards the end and display my TSS tshirt lol

03.10.11 at 1:57 pm

CIPH$

Congrats Gotty.

03.10.11 at 1:57 pm

PandasNeedThatTreble

Congratulations Gotty. This is major.

03.10.11 at 2:00 pm

BigFonz

Congrats G!

03.10.11 at 2:05 pm

Trackstar the DJ

Salute!

03.10.11 at 2:06 pm

PandasNeedThatTreble

So with TSS being so mainstream now, when are you gonna start selling out? You know, the commercials (more partner posts than actual posts), the change in subject matter (no more bashing mainstream artists in anyway and making sure to not up artists like Gibbs and KRIT.), and especially the signing to a major record label (??? equivalent of record label for blogs?).

The Money Is Gonna Change Me. Sorry. Nigga Gonna Sell Out! (c) Tyler
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first of all, this kids name is simply the best.

secondly… i feel like rapping is secondary. he is a character. he needs to steal ochocinco and to’s reality show and just do his damn thing.

03.10.11 at 4:07 pm

Yonk

I grew up in and around princeton and central jersey, great place. Met cornel and tavis smiley at a bar one night (alchemist and barrister), grabbed a photo, gave em my support and daps.
Make sure to take detours to the Princeton Record Exchange (right off nassau st.), Chuck’s Cafe (for the best wings, right behind the record ex), and hoagie haven for a sloppy sloppy delicious sub. Anyone from the area can show you where these places are at.

03.10.11 at 5:37 pm

Enig Mue

Nice, respect

03.10.11 at 8:15 pm

Dirk DiggahoE

big tings poppin

03.10.11 at 8:31 pm

ignite mindz

hell yeah

03.10.11 at 9:35 pm

suave

Outstanding work TSS!

03.10.11 at 11:51 pm

Shail

Congrats sir.

03.11.11 at 10:44 am

Tap Out

Thanks to everyone for the support. should be fun. i’ll try to document & share my thoughts instead of forgetting them lol.

El Ro – I’m going to wear a shirt completely buttoned to the top, then rip it off towards the end and display my TSS tshirt lol
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LMAO !!

03.11.11 at 10:47 am

Tap Out

… Oh and congrats Gotty !!

RMF!

03.11.11 at 12:12 pm

Proud Sista of Gotty

Congrats Gotty, lol!!!!! This is my lil brother y’all!!!!

03.11.11 at 12:53 pm

BEWARE

MAJOR.

03.11.11 at 1:55 pm

Chigyrl

Hey Cuzzo! I am so proud of you. It never ceases to amaze me the doors that God continues to open for you. This trip you may not be on the panel with Dr. West, but I can definitely see it in your future. Continue to be true to yourself and watch your blessings flow. Love you much and Congrats!

03.11.11 at 10:30 pm

100K

Respect

03.12.11 at 1:28 pm

Erin

Freakin awesome dude! Not terribly far from me either. May come out and support if I can!

03.13.11 at 1:17 pm

Gotty™

Congrats Gotty, lol!!!!! This is my lil brother y’all!!!!
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My sister calls me Gotty online lol. You should’ve logged in as Juan though lol. Thanks to you & Chigyrl. Remember way back when we were all just emailing songs lol?

Great deal G. Cornel has long been one of the few current people that I actually can say that I look up to. I would cut off Pandas arm to be one of the panelist. I envy you dog. Congrats fam.

– Early on, I knew TSS would never win awards, gain prominent recognitions or even be considered large on a mainstream level.
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Did we at least win the Readers Choice Award??

03.14.11 at 9:45 am

Mike Bigga

Damn I wanna come…(Tour Calls doe). Salute you and GREAT write up.

03.15.11 at 4:38 pm

Mostincredible

Well, Gotty knows I dream big…..bigger than life….so when I used to plug the site extra heavy, I remember telling him “watch what comes with the views we are about to get…..watch the status slowly shift in your direction” Though I would’ve never predicted it, I still feel it’s expected. Gotty!!!! Good Work!!!! And Good Work to all the writers and viewers because without yall “The Fresh” would not be respected.